dog in pain

by The Mutty Professor

All animals have evolved to hide pain well. Appearing to be in pain can make an individual vulnerable to predation, driven away by members of their social group or targeted by a rival individual or group.


Furthermore, activities that generate a lot of adrenaline and cortisol mask pain, causing dogs to appear to be, in the moment, pain-free. This can lead to dogs being inappropriately exercised which may lead to delayed recovery or long-term physical damage.

A whopping 80% of dogs over 8 years old experience arthritis and worryingly, up to 35% of dogs under this age may suffer too. Poor breeding practice (including some of the extreme breed standards we see today) has resulted in structural abnormalities in many breeds and also in mixed breeds. The very sad reality is that these days, most dogs will have some health issue or other.

Despite our best intentions to safeguard our dog’s welfare, we can so easily overlook signs of pain and continue to exercise our dogs as normal, failing to explore medical options with their veterinarian.  


It can be very challenging for vets to observe subtle signs of pain in the clinic environment as when dogs are stressed, they will hide pain well. The restraints of the examination room can hinder observational assessment and a stressed dog can be difficult to physically assess.


The more information owners can provide vets, the easier we make their job in helping our dogs.

Look for these subtle signs that your dog may be in pain:

1. They are slow and stiff when getting up from a down position or when moving into a down.

2. They make a “huff” type sound when jumping out of the boot, off the sofa, moving down steps or hopping off the kerb side.

3. They may show reluctance to get into the car, move up/down steps or on/off the sofa. You may observe them doing lots of ‘false starts’, as if they have lost confidence jumping up.


4. Increased irritability and aggressive behaviours can be a sign of pain. You may notice this when you touch your dog, even if they have asked to be touched. Or they may appear grumpy when disturbed from resting. They could become more irritable towards other dogs.


5. Increased Avoidance Behaviours

Your dog may now shy away from being touched by your, other people or dogs. They may even shy away from their harness or lead before a walk. Your dog may seem less social and more withdrawn generally.


6. Sound Sensitivity

Research has linked an increase in sound sensitivity to being in pain. It is thought that flinching and subsequent muscle contraction in response to being startled by a sound can trigger pain, which can then lead. This can lead to negative associations with sound, even if the pain has been addressed.

 

Shy_Dog

7. Unpredictable or Over-Aroused Behaviour

Pain is thought to lower the tolerance for coping with aversive stimuli or negative emotions, such as frustration. It can often elevate arousal levels, causing an overall increase in sensitivity to stimuli (sight, sound, touch and possibly even scent). Chronic pain can also elevate anxiety due to increasing anticipation of aversive stimuli.  Dogs in pain may therefore appear more reactive, anxious or overstimulated.


8. Restless Behaviour

It can be difficult to get comfortable when you are experiencing pain and for dogs, this may contribute to pacing and general difficulties settling down.

9. Decrease in responsiveness
 Pain can be incredibly distracting as well as impairing the quality of sleep, which is where the consolidation of memories takes place. If you notice a sudden disinterest in your dog’s attitude towards training then this may require consideration.

10. Reluctance to walk
A dog may show significant exercise intolerance when in pain, panting heavily and with a laboured gait soon into their walk. They may even stop on their walk and stand still, sit or lie down. They may also learn that walking triggers pain and start to show signs of not wanting to go on their walk, such as sitting down and refusing to move or hiding as you get ready to go. 


If you notice any sudden behaviour change in your dog, and you are unsure of any aversive event that may have caused it, it is wise to take them for a thorough health check at your vets.

Research found that up to 80% of dogs with behaviour problems are thought to be experiencing a health concern. It is for this reason that owners should work with qualified behaviourists who work strictly via vet referral and should have a good level of knowledge of health problems and signs of pain in dogs. Please go to the ABTC register to find a suitably qualified professional.